The average cost of cleaning a square foot of carpet is $0.25, while a room is between $50 and $75 (2). Depending on the size of the home, most people pay between $121 and $233, so on average $176 (3).

Run the shampooer in a pattern across the room, making sure to go slowly. Pay attention to when the dirty water tank is full. After you shampoo, it is good to run the machine once again with cold water and no soap. Always let the carpet dry completely before putting furniture back and walking on it.

With Rug Doctor, you can rent a machine from a partner location (Home Depot or Walmart, for example) for about $30 a day. The cleaning solution costs about $17 for 48 ounces; you'll need three bottles for 1,600 square feet of carpet. Pretreating solution starts at $6 each.

Best carpet cleaner overall: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner.

Refresh and disinfect the fibers of your carpet without renting a steam cleaner with the help of a simple homemade solution and a scrub brush. In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet.